However, your breastfeeding routine must follow strict guidelines. You must practise exclusive breastfeeding (only giving baby breast milk) on demand. If you do give supplemental foods, such as other liquids or solid foods, they must not exceed 5-10% of the baby's total daily diet.

The intervals between feeding must not exceed four hours (in the daytime) or six hours (in the night).

The contraceptive effects of breastfeeding are an added benefit of breastfeeding, but they are not foolproof. When your baby reaches the age of six months, or if you begin menstruating, you should use another family planning method.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) - Intrauterine devices are suitable for monogamous women in stable relationships who want a reliable, long-term, non-hormonal method of contraception.

An IUD is a T-shaped copper device inserted in the uterus to inhibit fertilisation of the egg by the sperm. It is highly effective (94-99% success rates), lasts for five to 10 years, can be reversed easily, and best of all, allows for sexual spontaneity without having to worry about taking a pill or putting on a condom.

While IUDs have few side-effects, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, or spotting between periods. In rare cases, the IUD may be pushed out of the uterus into the vagina, or perforate the wall of the uterus.

There is also a type of IUD that works by releasing hormones into the body. Ask your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and whether it is suitable for you.

Sterilisation - Finally, there are couples who may want a permanent method of birth control - meaning they are not planning to have any more children.

There are sterilisation methods for both men and women. For women, the procedure is called "tubal ligation", which involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes (the tubes between the ovaries and the uterus, through which eggs travel). This prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised.

For men, sterilisation involves a vasectomy. This is a small operation to cut the vas deferens (the tube that takes sperm from the testes to the penis). Once the vas deferens is cut, sperm can no longer get into the semen that is ejaculated during sex.

You and your partner have to be absolutely sure that you no longer want children before you agree to undergo either of these procedures. Although they are reversible, you will have much lower chances of being fertile after that.

Ultimately, the family planning method you choose is a decision best left up to you and your partner. In my next article, I will describe the hormonal methods of contraception and the considerations that should guide your choice.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (FRCOG, UK). For further information, visit www.primanora.com. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star and AsiaOne do not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star and AsiaOne disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

This story was first published in The Star on Oct 19, 2008.